Valley Head Man Charged with Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence

VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — A DeKalb County man remains in jail after being charged with animal cruelty and domestic violence stemming from a disturbing incident earlier this month.

Court records show that 29-year-old Dustin Blake Burt, of Valley Head, was arrested on July 2 and is facing charges of cruelty to animals and third-degree domestic violence, both misdemeanors.

According to court documents, the charges are connected to a July 1 incident during which Burt, reportedly intoxicated, kicked a kitten belonging to a family member, resulting in the animal’s death. Witnesses stated that Burt became increasingly aggressive and, after killing the kitten, punched his father in the head, damaged property inside the home, and refused to leave the residence despite being asked multiple times.

Authorities say Burt caused a hole in the wall and cursed at family members during the outburst.

He is currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail on a $4,000 bond.